Mira Mesa residents call proposed park improvements waste of money

SAN DIEGO -- Mira Mesa residents who live near Canyon Hills Open Space Park don't want almost $5 million in proposed improvements to the park.

The city, through the Mira Mesa Recreational Council, is considering adding benches, lights, bathrooms, more trails, landscaping and other amenities to the park, but residents say it's only going to ruin their quality of life.

“It’s a beautiful park leave it alone. Let’s keep the habitat. Let’s leave the wildlife and make sure everyone enjoys it without all this expensive expansion that there’s no need for and there’s no want for it from community," said resident Athalean Gee.

Residents like Gee fear the improvements will also draw more people into the area increasing congestion and traffic in the park and surrounding neighborhoods.